Determination of Attainment of Ozone Standard by Ashland, Kentucky, Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati Area), Charlotte, North Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee, and Determination Regarding Applicability of Certain Reasonable Further Progress and Attainment Demonstration Requirements

The EPA is determining, through direct final procedure, that the Ashland, Kentucky, Northern Kentucky, Charlotte-Gastonia, North Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee ozone nonattainment areas have attained the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. This determination is based upon three years of complete, quality assured ambient air monitoring data for the years 1992-94 that demonstrate that the ozone NAAQS has been attained in these areas. On the basis of this determination, EPA is also determining that certain reasonable further progress and attainment demonstration requirements, along with certain other related requirements, of Part D of Title 1 of the Clean Air Act are not applicable to the areas for so long as the areas continue to attain the ozone NAAQS. In the proposed rules section of this Federal Register, EPA is proposing these determinations and soliciting public comment on them. If adverse comments are received on this direct final rule, EPA will withdraw this final rule and address these comments in a final rule on the related proposed rule which is being published in the proposed rules section of this Federal Register.